What is Freckles?

Freckles are a small patch of light brown colour on the skin, which can become more visible through exposure to the sun. It commonly appears early in childhood and may disappear with age. Freckles are cause by the increased in local melanin production after sunlight exposure. It is also associated to traits such as fair skin and red hair. Since ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the major factor that causes freckles, therefore sunscreens are important as the first-line of protection against freckles.

How It Affects Your Body

In most cases, freckles are harmless. Two common types of freckles are known as ephelides and solar ephelides.

Ephelides are known as the common type of freckle, whereas solar ephelides are dark patches of skin that develop during adulthood. This includes freckles, ageing spots, and sunspots.

Freckles are associated with pigmentary host characteristics such as fair skin and red hair. As ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the major factor causing freckles, sunscreens play an important role to be the first line of protection against freckles.